Trail running in the Aletsch Arena means running on alpine trails, training at over 2,000 metres and always having the Great Aletsch Glacier in view. Set off directly from the car-free mountain villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp onto a variety of trails, or take on a vertical route from the valley up to the sunny plateau.
Whether you’re looking for short introductory runs or long mountain runs with plenty of elevation gain, you’ll find everything a trail runner could wish for. This Alpine destination in Valais offers ambitious trail runners ideal conditions: thanks to the mountain lifts, you can reach the trails on the sunny plateau quickly and efficiently. Varied routes and spectacular views await you. Perfect for race preparation, altitude training in ideal conditions or unforgettable trail running experiences.
car-free mountain villages – direct access to the trails without traffic
of alpine trails – varied routes for every level
vertical challenge – from 746 to 2,926 m above sea level, from the valley to the summit
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Short, long, steep, technical or panoramic? In the selection below, you’re sure to find the route that matches your goal. Filter by difficulty, distance, elevation gain, starting point, season and current conditions – and plan your run exactly the way you want it, starting from Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp or down in the valley.
The Aletsch Arena’s Signature Trails are among the most beautiful trail running routes in the region. Whether you’re looking for a short loop, a vertical route, a full-day tour or a multi-day adventure, you’ll find your next trail running highlight here. With a detailed route description or a practical starter package, you’ll be well prepared for alpine terrain, plenty of elevation gain and spectacular glacier scenery.
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21.1 km through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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1,148 metres of elevation gain up to 2,650 m above sea level.
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Running alongside the largest glacier in the Alps.
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A classic on the Swiss mountain running calendar since 1986.
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A panoramic route through spectacular Alpine scenery with views of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
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10 km of pure uphill challenge.
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1,830 metres of elevation gain with virtually no flat sections.
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Finish at 2,926 m above sea level on the Eggishorn, with views of the Great Aletsch Glacier and a mountain landscape featuring more than 40 peaks over 4,000 metres.
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Start in Fiesch – from the valley straight to the summit.
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Part of the international Swiss Alps 100 – one of Switzerland’s most scenic trail races.
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65 km trail adventure around the Great Aletsch Glacier.
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3,150 metres of elevation gain – the most demanding Stoneman in the series.
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2 suspension bridges with spectacular views into the depths.
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1 ridge run with a unique panorama of the Aletsch Glacier and 40 peaks over 4,000 metres.
Trail running in the Aletsch Arena is more than just training. Here you’ll find routes, events and people who share your passion for running in the mountains. Whether you want to work on your technique, prepare for a race or discover new trails with local experts, the Aletsch Arena offers the ideal setting.
When I train in the Aletsch Arena, I combine challenging trails with incredible natural scenery. The combination of elevation gain, alpine trails and views of the Aletsch Glacier motivates me time and time again.Victoria Kreuzer, Swiss ski mountaineer and mountain runner, two-time winner of the Vertical Race World Cup
Would you like to know which Aletsch Glacier route best fits your training week or how to plan the perfect trail running weekend with friends in the Aletsch Arena?
Benefit from the collective knowledge of the Aletsch Arena team. Our trail running and mountain sports enthusiasts know the trails and routes of the Aletsch Arena down to the last detail. Whether elite ultratrail runner, Gen Z neo-runner or experienced mountain runner – we answer your questions and support you with first-hand tips.
The choice of trail running routes in the Aletsch Arena is huge. You can reach the starting point of your trail – or make your way back – either on foot or with the Aletsch Bahnen mountain lifts. You can conveniently buy the right ticket in the webshop, before you’ve even broken a sweat.
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Region: Aletsch Arena, Valais, Switzerland.
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Elevation: trails from 746 to 2,926 m above sea level.
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Trail network: around 300 km of hiking trails in summer.
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Winter trails: around 72 km of trail running and winter trails.
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Landscape: in the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site with views of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
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Starting points: Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, or from the valley.
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Trail running events: Aletsch Half Marathon, Swiss Alps 100 and SwissPeaks.
Travelling to the Aletsch Arena holiday paradise is easy and straightforward, whether by car or public transport. If your trail running route is on the car-free plateau, the cable car takes you up the mountain.
Book your stay in the Aletsch Arena now.In the Aletsch Arena you are surrounded by breath-taking nature and are rewarded for your efforts with a magnificent panorama, fresh Valais mountain air and a view of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
The Aletsch Arena offers around 300 km of marked hiking trails, many of which are ideal for trail running. Particularly popular are the areas around Bettmeralp, Riederalp, Fiescheralp, Eggishorn and the Great Aletsch Glacier. Many trails are located at over 2,000 metres above sea level and offer spectacular views as well as car-free terrain.
From short panoramic loops to challenging full-day tours, you’ll find trails for every level. The most popular routes include the Bettmerhorn Trail, the Märjela Trail, the Aletsch Forest Trail and the Aletsch Half Marathon course. All routes are available with a map, elevation profile and GPX download.
Yes. Many trail running routes in the Aletsch Arena are located above 2,000 metres above sea level and offer ideal conditions for altitude training in the Swiss Alps. Due to the lower air pressure, less oxygen is available to the body, placing additional demands on endurance. To acclimatise, we recommend starting with shorter and less steep routes.
The main season runs from June to October. However, trail running is possible in the Aletsch Arena all year round. In winter, around 72 km of groomed winter trails are available for winter trail running.
All trail running routes are available on the Aletsch Arena tour portal with detailed information, elevation profiles, maps and GPX data. This allows you to plan your route perfectly and download it directly to your GPS device or sports watch.
Yes. The Aletsch Arena hosts several running and trail running events – from beginner-friendly races to internationally renowned ultratrails. Event highlights include:
- Aletsch Women’s Run in Fiesch – a popular running event for women featuring an attractive course through Fiesch and the Fiesch Valley.
- Aletsch Half Marathon – one of Europe’s best-known mountain races. The 21.1 km course leads through the UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers spectacular views of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
- Swiss Alps 100 – an international ultratrail event with various distances, taking runners through the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the region’s impressive mountain scenery.
- SwissPeaks Trail – one of Switzerland’s most spectacular ultratrail races. The longest distances pass through the Aletsch Arena, making the region one of the highlights of this extraordinary event.
You can find all current dates and further information in the Aletsch Arena event calendar.
